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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: PrisonSex on Wed, 04 September 2013, 12:34:28

Title: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: PrisonSex on Wed, 04 September 2013, 12:34:28
I've been on membrane keyboards and I've finally grown tired of having to replace keys and whole keyboards because of how heavily I type (grew up learning to type on a typewriter). Most membranes don't last me very long and I want something with durability.

My primary purpose is for gaming.
I'm looking at MX Browns
I want a fullsize keyboard.
Backlighting doesn't matter.
Blank keys are a plus.

I was looking at the Das Keyboard Ultimate, but I've read a couple shady reviews about their quality. I was also looking at the WASD v2 for customization, but haven't heard any reviews on their quality.

Any suggestions you guys can give me would be very helpful.
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: CPTBadAss on Wed, 04 September 2013, 12:36:29
Quick Fire Trigger or Storm. Can never remember which is the entry-level board but I think it's the storm.
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: Tarzan on Wed, 04 September 2013, 12:38:26
Given your preferences, I'd skip MX Browns in favor of one of the heavier-weight switches.  MX Blacks are decent, linear is nice for gaming.  If you can find one in your price range, I'd suggest MX Greens (clicky, but not as loud as MX Blues...), MX Clears, or MX Whites.

If you really want a strong key switch, there is the Ducky Pro with MX Greys in stock at MK.  I like it, but I'm pretty ham-fisted anyway. 

Good luck with your quest, and welcome!
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: PrisonSex on Wed, 04 September 2013, 18:52:22
I'm willing to spend anything under $200 on a keyboard, but I'd really need convincing to go over $150
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 04 September 2013, 19:04:34
Quote from: PrisonSex on Wed, 04 September 2013, 18:52:22
I'm willing to spend anything under $200 on a keyboard, but I'd really need convincing to go over $150

Ergodox, $270 assembled to your door.

The LAST keyboard you'll ever need to buy

Most advanced keyboard to date.

Fully hardware programmable to do ANYTHING YOU WANT

And completely user moddable.. with easy access spring and slider swap plates.

(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/th_113_.gif)
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: whiteduck on Wed, 04 September 2013, 19:07:56
I would highly reccomend the WASD as I have owned multiple and they are of excellent quality.  If you want to try a board with blacks I got an old steel series 6gv2 I'd hook u up cheap ^.^

Edit pro tip, don't listen to anything tp4t says
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: divito on Wed, 04 September 2013, 19:13:01
Quote from: whiteduck on Wed, 04 September 2013, 19:07:56
Edit pro tip, don't listen to anything tp4t says

I fully endorse this statement.
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: jabar on Wed, 04 September 2013, 19:26:35
I would shy away from WASD unless you absolutely need custom lasered ABS keycaps. Otherwise there are other good keyboards which have more features at a better price point.

Ducky has some very nice thick PBT keycap boards (while they last). They are fullsize, have almost every switch option (MX Clears sold out already though). Dyesubbed PBT keycaps means nicely textured keycaps which will last the entire life of the MX switch. MX Browns are $135 shipped.

http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/search.php?keyword=&switch_id=ALL&size=Full+Size&man=1&key_plastic=PBT&interface=ALL&cord_length=ALL&usb_kro=ALL&ps2_kro=ALL&x=54&y=20&in_stock=on
(all the ones listed but the first)
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: jonathanyu on Wed, 04 September 2013, 20:06:33
Quote from: tp4tissue on Wed, 04 September 2013, 19:04:34
Quote from: PrisonSex on Wed, 04 September 2013, 18:52:22
I'm willing to spend anything under $200 on a keyboard, but I'd really need convincing to go over $150

Ergodox, $270 assembled to your door.

The LAST keyboard you'll ever need to buy

Most advanced keyboard to date.

Fully hardware programmable to do ANYTHING YOU WANT

And completely user moddable.. with easy access spring and slider swap plates.

Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/th_113_.gif)


I don't think gaming on a ergo dox is a good idea.
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: PrisonSex on Wed, 04 September 2013, 20:08:27
Yeah Ergo Dox is probably the last keyboard I would ever consider.
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: TimIsABat on Wed, 04 September 2013, 21:20:51
Quote from: tp4tissue on Wed, 04 September 2013, 19:04:34
Quote from: PrisonSex on Wed, 04 September 2013, 18:52:22
I'm willing to spend anything under $200 on a keyboard, but I'd really need convincing to go over $150

Ergodox, $270 assembled to your door.

The LAST keyboard you'll ever need to buy

Most advanced keyboard to date.

Fully hardware programmable to do ANYTHING YOU WANT

And completely user moddable.. with easy access spring and slider swap plates.

Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/th_113_.gif)


You should really make epic typing videos of you typing on a ergodox....not enough typing videos on ergodox...especially with the vast switch array that people have.
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: Emospence on Wed, 04 September 2013, 22:21:07
Filco Majestouch 2 Ninja?
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: PrisonSex on Wed, 04 September 2013, 22:30:57
Filco is pushing my price range, does it really outclass the other keyboards that badly that it warrants being almost $100 more than some of the cheaper models?
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: pagosElite on Thu, 05 September 2013, 01:54:16
Quote from: Emospence on Wed, 04 September 2013, 22:21:07
Filco Majestouch 2 Ninja?

This^
Quote from: PrisonSex on Wed, 04 September 2013, 22:30:57
Filco is pushing my price range, does it really outclass the other keyboards that badly that it warrants being almost $100 more than some of the cheaper models?

Not badly but I think it will last you longer and you'll be better off with them.
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: pagosElite on Thu, 05 September 2013, 01:55:02
Quote from: pagosElite on Thu, 05 September 2013, 01:54:16
Quote from: Emospence on Wed, 04 September 2013, 22:21:07
Filco Majestouch 2 Ninja?

This^
Quote from: PrisonSex on Wed, 04 September 2013, 22:30:57
Filco is pushing my price range, does it really outclass the other keyboards that badly that it warrants being almost $100 more than some of the cheaper models?

Not badly but I think it will last you longer and you'll be better off with them. + I love the case cause it just has that one 3D logo.
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: Oobly on Thu, 05 September 2013, 02:15:47
CM Storm Quickfire with browns should fit the bill. Affordable, tough and using the right switches. It has backlighting, but no blank caps.

You could always get a nice set of PBT blank caps later (not certain of this, but the Ducky PBT caps may fit, just check the layout and size of modifiers first). A set of orings to go under the keycaps can help with bottoming out noise if you can get used to the feel of them, too.

Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: jabar on Thu, 05 September 2013, 07:51:14
Quote from: PrisonSex on Wed, 04 September 2013, 22:30:57
Filco is pushing my price range, does it really outclass the other keyboards that badly that it warrants being almost $100 more than some of the cheaper models?
no

if Filco came with PBT standard then maybe, but I don't think that will ever happen
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: ynrozturk on Thu, 05 September 2013, 08:05:13
CM Storm Quickfire should do nicely. Or you may want to look into the Corsair keyboards. They come with Reds but they are very nice, and they say Reds are good for gaming, so you may want to consider that.

Am I the only one getting sick of reading about Ergodox in every single thread?
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: PointyFox on Thu, 05 September 2013, 08:09:47
Based on how hard you apparently hit the keys you won't be able to feel the tactile feedback of the MX browns.  Why not MX black?
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: microsoft windows on Thu, 05 September 2013, 09:23:52
JUST BUY 'EM BOTH.
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: nourathar on Thu, 05 September 2013, 09:33:50
if you want fullsize, why not go IBM clicky ?
sturdy, great, cool; you can find them easily on ebay for around $ 70,- or less and also new here:

http://pckeyboard.com/page/category/UKBD

I bought my first mech keyboard about three months ago:

a Filco Minila with mx browns because I wanted something small but still with a metal plate for sturdyness. I am very happy with it, I can only compare browns with blacks (and I like their tactility a lot more), but if I buy a new one some time I think I will try blues or whites or IBM buckling springs...
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: microsoft windows on Thu, 05 September 2013, 09:35:30
THE IBM CLICKY KEYBOARDS ARE DEFINITELY WORTH THINKING ABOUT. AT THE VERY LEAST, YOU'LL END UP WITH A VERY ROBUST KEYBOARD THAT WILL LAST FOR YEARS. I USE ONE ON MY MAIN PC AND IT WORKS VERY WELL.
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: esclu on Thu, 05 September 2013, 13:25:06
Quote from: microsoft windows on Thu, 05 September 2013, 09:23:52
JUST BUY 'EM BOTH.

Quote from: microsoft windows on Thu, 05 September 2013, 09:35:30
THE IBM CLICKY KEYBOARDS ARE DEFINITELY WORTH THINKING ABOUT. AT THE VERY LEAST, YOU'LL END UP WITH A VERY ROBUST KEYBOARD THAT WILL LAST FOR YEARS. I USE ONE ON MY MAIN PC AND IT WORKS VERY WELL.

Well I guess your Windows or keyboard has some problems with the Caps Lock.  ;D
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm currently thinking about whether getting a Filco or not, too. I think they are worth it if you want a very durable board.
From what I heard it is the one with the best quality of mechanical keyboards.

The QFR should make it good too. For me it just looks a lot cheaper than others (even in the same price-range), but that, of course, is personal preference.
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: ShakeR on Thu, 05 September 2013, 14:10:32
Wasn't sure about your answer to the last 5 questions, but...

http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/first_mechanical_keyboard.php?q_1=1&q_11=3&q_9=1&q_2=1&q_3=3
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: TimIsABat on Thu, 05 September 2013, 17:36:37
Quote from: microsoft windows on Thu, 05 September 2013, 09:35:30
THE IBM CLICKY KEYBOARDS ARE DEFINITELY WORTH THINKING ABOUT. AT THE VERY LEAST, YOU'LL END UP WITH A VERY ROBUST KEYBOARD THAT WILL LAST FOR YEARS. I USE ONE ON MY MAIN PC AND IT WORKS VERY WELL.

I totally forgot to say, get a Model M. Seriously one of the best decisions I have made. Great if you want to a long lasting clicky mechanical fullsize.
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: Emospence on Thu, 05 September 2013, 20:30:21
Quote from: PrisonSex on Wed, 04 September 2013, 22:30:57
Filco is pushing my price range, does it really outclass the other keyboards that badly that it warrants being almost $100 more than some of the cheaper models?

How much are Filcos over there?

I managed got mine new for 175 singapore dollars, which is less than 140 american dollars. Comfortably within your budget
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: daerid on Fri, 06 September 2013, 01:35:02

Quote from: jonathanyu on Wed, 04 September 2013, 20:06:33

I don't think gaming on a ergo dox is a good idea.

I game on mine all the time. I'm curious why this idea keeps being brought up?
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 06 September 2013, 02:00:00
Quote from: daerid on Fri, 06 September 2013, 01:35:02

Quote from: jonathanyu on Wed, 04 September 2013, 20:06:33

I don't think gaming on a ergo dox is a good idea.

I game on mine all the time. I'm curious why this idea keeps being brought up?

yea, noobs just don't get it... it's perfect for gaming...
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: Oobly on Fri, 06 September 2013, 02:45:56
Wow, interesting to see this thread progress....

Please take this with all due respect... But:

OP has said he wants browns, I assume that means he has researched the switch types and has already decided this (If not, please let us know and we can push our personal favourite switch type on you, no problem!  ;) ). And he doesn't want an ErgoDox. He wants a full-sized affordable keyboard with browns. Preferably with blank caps.

Any more suggestions along these lines? Maybe a Ducky Zero?
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: mauri on Fri, 06 September 2013, 02:59:09
Quote from: Oobly on Fri, 06 September 2013, 02:45:56
Wow, interesting to see this thread progress....

Please take this with all due respect... But:

OP has said he wants browns, I assume that means he has researched the switch types and has already decided this (If not, please let us know and we can push our personal favourite switch type on you, no problem!  ;) ). And he doesn't want an ErgoDox. He wants a full-sized affordable keyboard with browns. Preferably with blank caps.

Any more suggestions along these lines? Maybe a Ducky Zero?

I don't think the subject realizes the necessity an ergodox is, however on a subconscious level he truly knows what his heart desires. He'll come around, they always do.
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: Oobly on Fri, 06 September 2013, 03:01:33
Quote from: mauri on Fri, 06 September 2013, 02:59:09

I don't think the subject realizes the necessity an ergodox is, however on a subconscious level he knows he needs one. He'll come around, they always do.

Hmmmm... okay, I'll give you that. It takes time, though. We all have to start somewhere, it takes a few mistakes to gain wisdom.  ;)
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: mauri on Fri, 06 September 2013, 03:04:45
Quote from: Oobly on Fri, 06 September 2013, 03:01:33
Quote from: mauri on Fri, 06 September 2013, 02:59:09

I don't think the subject realizes the necessity an ergodox is, however on a subconscious level he knows he needs one. He'll come around, they always do.

Hmmmm... okay, I'll give you that. It takes time, though. We all have to start somewhere, it takes a few mistakes to gain wisdom.  ;)

Ergodox is the path to enlightenment and salvation, only by becoming one with the ergodox one may ascend to another, higher plain of existence.
Title: Re: Looking to buy my first Mech Keyboard
Post by: korrelate on Fri, 06 September 2013, 03:29:01
Reference to Tool, Undertow??

Anyway, go with your gut here and stick to the browns. I haven't tried blacks, clears or greens yet, but I've tried reds, blues and browns and browns always come out on top. They may not be the perfect switch for you but then again they might. Yes, the tactile bump is slight but I kind of think that's the point: it's just enough. Any more or less pronounced and it wouldn't be the go-to switch that it is.

That said, I'd stay away from Rosewill: the older ones may have been decent but the new ones just feel like trash. Also, IMHO, Filco isn't worth the premium. I haven't tried any Quickfires but they seem to have lots of fans. See if you can find out what WhiteFireDragon's opinion of the QFR is. I trust his opinion about quality because he's seen it all. Hint: try really searching the threads before you PM him. That and search for him on YouTube: he's a prolific poster.

The WASD v2 is really catching my eye lately. I've bought accesories from them but no keyboards. They seem to have a good reputation, again do some searching about quality, but if I had to do it again, I would have bought a WASD or a QFR (particularly now that they've toned down all those ugly logos) way before I bought a Filco.

And the rumors are right, IMO: reds suck (capaital S) for typing.

And my favorite thing about WASD: you can buy a barebones V2 for $100 and fit it with whatever keycaps you like: search the classifieds and I'm sure you can find someone who'd sell you the stock keycaps from some other board (filco, leo, etc. pretty cheaply). Be careful about buying keycaps from older leopolds though: the space bar on some older Leopolds (like mine) is totally incompatible with most other sets.


Cheers,

K